Good morning, dear readers,
I must say once again that I am thankful. I feel a need to list my thanks today as there are many and I'm sure I will miss some.
Food
Housing
Heat
Health
Friends
Family
My dog
my job
the wonderful people with whom I work
my college class
my working vehicle with heat
church
the ongoing love that the lord has for me
my chldren going on a church retreat
an awesome student teacher
an awesome best friend
my forgiveness
all of my appendages
today is saturday
i get to drink a cup of coffee with vanilla nut creamer today
i am going to my indoor hockey game
my students are singing the national anthem
and as you see the list goes on and on and on!!!!
PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW!!!!!
I will rest in all that, today!!!!
Signing off for now........
Trusting
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Psalm 32:4
For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me; my moisture is turned into the drought of summer.
I was reminded in church that won't always be "comfortable". God will use all circumstances, whether they seem good or bad to us.
Bad in our minds, should have different consideration. God, I'm sure sees it as challenging, but not bad. I'm sure he knows the grand scheme of things and the outcomes that will come forth from the suffering that is taking place.
I must stand firm in my belief that "he will restore all the years the locusts have eaten"!!!!!
Signing off for now.......
Trusting
I was reminded in church that won't always be "comfortable". God will use all circumstances, whether they seem good or bad to us.
Bad in our minds, should have different consideration. God, I'm sure sees it as challenging, but not bad. I'm sure he knows the grand scheme of things and the outcomes that will come forth from the suffering that is taking place.
I must stand firm in my belief that "he will restore all the years the locusts have eaten"!!!!!
Signing off for now.......
Trusting
Monday, January 25, 2010
Fighting to stay afloat
Good morning, dear readers,
Today or should I say this weekend was trying. I had no energy and just slept and did school work. I guess I did do some wash. Went to church. Felt defeated. Just don't know about this whole life thing sometimes.
I am going to need to rest in the frustration of what is all around me.
Lord, will you please help me to be strong today? Will you help me to get accomplished what needs to be done?
Will you help me to be an overcomer today?
I feel empty and defeated. I feel overcome by financial pressures and also by the lack of provision I can offer for my children.
I feel overwhelmed by the plans that my son is making for his education which involves going into the service.
My daughter is having issues with her weight. I am glad that that is something that can be fixed, but really question my ability to help her with it.
God, I just lay all of this before you and ask that you would give me a peace and a rest about it. It is all so daunting and I am afraid of the way that it will all turn out. I am afraid that my children won't have perfect lives. I guess that isn't realistic, now isn't it?
Life is full of imperfect situations that really I believe that my response is the only thing that God is looking for to be perfect. A perfect response to him would be to stop, listen, and trust. So, Lord, let this day be a day for me to have perfect responses to you, and if not, thank you for your grace and your mercy which I know accompanies each of your overtures to your creation.
Blessed be your name!!!!!
Signing off for now........
Trusting
Today or should I say this weekend was trying. I had no energy and just slept and did school work. I guess I did do some wash. Went to church. Felt defeated. Just don't know about this whole life thing sometimes.
I am going to need to rest in the frustration of what is all around me.
Lord, will you please help me to be strong today? Will you help me to get accomplished what needs to be done?
Will you help me to be an overcomer today?
I feel empty and defeated. I feel overcome by financial pressures and also by the lack of provision I can offer for my children.
I feel overwhelmed by the plans that my son is making for his education which involves going into the service.
My daughter is having issues with her weight. I am glad that that is something that can be fixed, but really question my ability to help her with it.
God, I just lay all of this before you and ask that you would give me a peace and a rest about it. It is all so daunting and I am afraid of the way that it will all turn out. I am afraid that my children won't have perfect lives. I guess that isn't realistic, now isn't it?
Life is full of imperfect situations that really I believe that my response is the only thing that God is looking for to be perfect. A perfect response to him would be to stop, listen, and trust. So, Lord, let this day be a day for me to have perfect responses to you, and if not, thank you for your grace and your mercy which I know accompanies each of your overtures to your creation.
Blessed be your name!!!!!
Signing off for now........
Trusting
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Breathe in the Fresh Air
Good morning, dear readers,
Today is Saturday. I woke with thoughts of the past week swirling in my head. God spoke that I needed to go outside and "breathe". I took his advice and went out to sit in the freezing cold and allow the sun to shine upon me. I was also able to see the beautiful blue sky that shrouded the trees. Oh, how lovely to breathe in the crisp cool air. How settling it was to my spirit that here again is another day, another gift from God to bless him.
Psalm 32: 3
When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long.
Wow, now there is some poetic writing. I was silent, yet I was roaring all the day long. Hmmmmm....... I believe a sin was roaring through and that even though David was silent in words, his spirit was roaring, racing, crying out for cleansing and redemption. So much so, that there was no peace for David until he fully surrendered to his father.
God ran long and hard after David. Did David make mistakes? Yes, he did. Did God lift his hand from David when he ran from him? No, he did not. What a loving father to keep after his son, even after his son turned his back on God.
I woke thinking about my earthly father. We don't share in life, but we do both have the same heavenly Father. Is there an earthly plan for us? I would tend to believe it. But, for now, I need to rest and trust in God's plan and acknowledge that it is higher than mine.
What a sweet essence of life to know that everything that I stand for and believe in is bent toward his higher plan and purpose which will overcome all sickness, disease, and pain. He is the God of all healing and restoration. He, in his timing, will fill all the emptiness in our hearts and will wholly become our "all in all"!!! Praise his name forever more!!!!!
Signing off for now........
Trusting
Today is Saturday. I woke with thoughts of the past week swirling in my head. God spoke that I needed to go outside and "breathe". I took his advice and went out to sit in the freezing cold and allow the sun to shine upon me. I was also able to see the beautiful blue sky that shrouded the trees. Oh, how lovely to breathe in the crisp cool air. How settling it was to my spirit that here again is another day, another gift from God to bless him.
Psalm 32: 3
When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long.
Wow, now there is some poetic writing. I was silent, yet I was roaring all the day long. Hmmmmm....... I believe a sin was roaring through and that even though David was silent in words, his spirit was roaring, racing, crying out for cleansing and redemption. So much so, that there was no peace for David until he fully surrendered to his father.
God ran long and hard after David. Did David make mistakes? Yes, he did. Did God lift his hand from David when he ran from him? No, he did not. What a loving father to keep after his son, even after his son turned his back on God.
I woke thinking about my earthly father. We don't share in life, but we do both have the same heavenly Father. Is there an earthly plan for us? I would tend to believe it. But, for now, I need to rest and trust in God's plan and acknowledge that it is higher than mine.
What a sweet essence of life to know that everything that I stand for and believe in is bent toward his higher plan and purpose which will overcome all sickness, disease, and pain. He is the God of all healing and restoration. He, in his timing, will fill all the emptiness in our hearts and will wholly become our "all in all"!!! Praise his name forever more!!!!!
Signing off for now........
Trusting
Friday, January 22, 2010
Psalm 32 :2 continued
Good morning, dear readers,
I am so thankful today!!! There were a number of things that could have gone wrong this week and they didn't and I am sooooooo thankful!!!
My student teacher meeting went well. So far, my impression is favorable. I did get my class registration approved and also registered for my HR class. I am also blessed that I found a book that the university was offering for 150 for 38 online. Praise God!!!!
I am wanting to continue with the 2nd verse today.
Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.
The second part, and in whose spirit there is no guile. When I think of guile, I think of ill and harmful thoughts and even deceit. I think of cunning, calculated, plans to overthrow the godliness of man.
How can a person show guile? Let's find out the definition for guile and see if I'm right. Webster says, deceitful and cunning.
Well, calculated deceit can take many forms. I imagine that it wouldn't take much for an individual to heed the whispers of the enemy to position him to take part in a deceitful act. I do know, that as we partake of such actions, that either one of two things can occur. 1 - I will take greater steps to discourage that type of behavior as I allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide me to cleanse me from all guile. Or, I will see that it's just a little sin and that, well, if I just added a little more deceit or tried to conceal it with greater finesse, that "it would be okay".
All of that is strictly LIES coming directly from the throne of Satan. Indeed, he is the King of all Guile. He has been down that road many, many times in the history of all creation and will continue to make plans to thwart God's perfect plan for his creation.
Lord, grant us ears to hear your voice in this hour. Speak to our hearts and help us to remain pure and spotless as we are faced with more and more people who don't hear from your heart and are self seeking. Let us be a people who ooze with your love and compassion. Let me be a person who extends mercy as great and wonderful mercy has been extended to me. Amen.
Signing off for now......
Trusting
I am so thankful today!!! There were a number of things that could have gone wrong this week and they didn't and I am sooooooo thankful!!!
My student teacher meeting went well. So far, my impression is favorable. I did get my class registration approved and also registered for my HR class. I am also blessed that I found a book that the university was offering for 150 for 38 online. Praise God!!!!
I am wanting to continue with the 2nd verse today.
Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.
The second part, and in whose spirit there is no guile. When I think of guile, I think of ill and harmful thoughts and even deceit. I think of cunning, calculated, plans to overthrow the godliness of man.
How can a person show guile? Let's find out the definition for guile and see if I'm right. Webster says, deceitful and cunning.
Well, calculated deceit can take many forms. I imagine that it wouldn't take much for an individual to heed the whispers of the enemy to position him to take part in a deceitful act. I do know, that as we partake of such actions, that either one of two things can occur. 1 - I will take greater steps to discourage that type of behavior as I allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide me to cleanse me from all guile. Or, I will see that it's just a little sin and that, well, if I just added a little more deceit or tried to conceal it with greater finesse, that "it would be okay".
All of that is strictly LIES coming directly from the throne of Satan. Indeed, he is the King of all Guile. He has been down that road many, many times in the history of all creation and will continue to make plans to thwart God's perfect plan for his creation.
Lord, grant us ears to hear your voice in this hour. Speak to our hearts and help us to remain pure and spotless as we are faced with more and more people who don't hear from your heart and are self seeking. Let us be a people who ooze with your love and compassion. Let me be a person who extends mercy as great and wonderful mercy has been extended to me. Amen.
Signing off for now......
Trusting
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Psalm 32 : 1
Dear Readers,
On Sunday, I was quickened to Psalm 32.
I am hoping to take a verse a day and reflect upon it.
Today's verse says
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Psalm 32:1
I am reminded of my great need for the Lord. I am also reminded that all I have and am is due to him in a small, small effort to give back to him for all he has done for me.
At times it is easy to forget the gravity of the sacrifice that our Lord made for us. If I were to see it again and again, even that would become dull. I must trust the Holy Spirit to bring to remembrance the price that was paid for me.
I think about when Jesus was on the cross and I believe he saw "me". Sure he saw the millions of all creation when he was there willingly bleeding and dying, but I declare that he saw "me" and that he personally died for me, just as he did for "you"!!
What an awesome thing to be included in such a selfless act of love and mercy! The gift that comes to me from above has no measure. His love is boundless. I am finite in my capacity. He is omnipotent.
He came to be the greatest servant of all and for this I look to turn my life in servitude to him. May my heart be forever tender and loving toward his people and may mercy abound in my judgments.
Blessed be his wonderful name!!!!!
Signing off for now......
Trusting
On Sunday, I was quickened to Psalm 32.
I am hoping to take a verse a day and reflect upon it.
Today's verse says
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Psalm 32:1
I am reminded of my great need for the Lord. I am also reminded that all I have and am is due to him in a small, small effort to give back to him for all he has done for me.
At times it is easy to forget the gravity of the sacrifice that our Lord made for us. If I were to see it again and again, even that would become dull. I must trust the Holy Spirit to bring to remembrance the price that was paid for me.
I think about when Jesus was on the cross and I believe he saw "me". Sure he saw the millions of all creation when he was there willingly bleeding and dying, but I declare that he saw "me" and that he personally died for me, just as he did for "you"!!
What an awesome thing to be included in such a selfless act of love and mercy! The gift that comes to me from above has no measure. His love is boundless. I am finite in my capacity. He is omnipotent.
He came to be the greatest servant of all and for this I look to turn my life in servitude to him. May my heart be forever tender and loving toward his people and may mercy abound in my judgments.
Blessed be his wonderful name!!!!!
Signing off for now......
Trusting
Saturday, January 16, 2010
A day off?
Good morning, dear readers,
Today is my day off from school and work, but we have a wedding. My husband is scrambling to get a fresh coat of finish on his job before the wedding. We have a dinner invitation tomorrow and not sure if that will go through or not. Seems like a lot.
I do have an in-service day on Monday, so no teaching, just sitting and listening. Sometimes that can be relaxing?! Sometimes, not.
My heart goes out to the people of Haiti today. I wake in my warm bed and truly realize the blessing of being able to wake up with my family and have a house standing. Even sitting here and writing this blog seems pretty much like a miracle in my eyes in comparison to the utter devastation the Haitian people are enduring at this very second.
I can't imagine having loved ones and having no way of contacting them to see if they are alright. I can't imagine waking up in a house one morning and having no house to go to that night. I can't imagine the wide scale of destruction that would completely remove all water, electricity, and even the capacity of these people to make a living.
Oh the deep deep emotional wrenching that lies within the hearts of these people. Yet, what else lies there? God does allow these catastrophic events. No one can say why or even know when, but God is placing judgment upon his creation.
I know I serve a God who has a greater plan and can see even through the imprisonment of a young child in piles of rubble and debris as he witnesses their last breaths of life. I trust in him for only he can make a way in these last seconds of our lives. HE IS LORD!!!
I pray that I will be able to say that all the days of my life even through the most dire extremes that may come my way.
Signing off for now........
Trusting
Today is my day off from school and work, but we have a wedding. My husband is scrambling to get a fresh coat of finish on his job before the wedding. We have a dinner invitation tomorrow and not sure if that will go through or not. Seems like a lot.
I do have an in-service day on Monday, so no teaching, just sitting and listening. Sometimes that can be relaxing?! Sometimes, not.
My heart goes out to the people of Haiti today. I wake in my warm bed and truly realize the blessing of being able to wake up with my family and have a house standing. Even sitting here and writing this blog seems pretty much like a miracle in my eyes in comparison to the utter devastation the Haitian people are enduring at this very second.
I can't imagine having loved ones and having no way of contacting them to see if they are alright. I can't imagine waking up in a house one morning and having no house to go to that night. I can't imagine the wide scale of destruction that would completely remove all water, electricity, and even the capacity of these people to make a living.
Oh the deep deep emotional wrenching that lies within the hearts of these people. Yet, what else lies there? God does allow these catastrophic events. No one can say why or even know when, but God is placing judgment upon his creation.
I know I serve a God who has a greater plan and can see even through the imprisonment of a young child in piles of rubble and debris as he witnesses their last breaths of life. I trust in him for only he can make a way in these last seconds of our lives. HE IS LORD!!!
I pray that I will be able to say that all the days of my life even through the most dire extremes that may come my way.
Signing off for now........
Trusting
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Back in the Swing of Things
Blessings to you readers this day,
I am thankful to say that I am back in the routine of work and teaching privately. My lesson plans are ready to roll for this new cycle and my student teacher is coming next Thursday.
I put together a semi-prof. hockey game opportunity for our students and families to get to a game and then have my chorus sing the national anthem in combination with 2 other elementary schools. Today is the day those ticket requests are being picked up. I am thankful that is out of my hands for now.
Tonight I go practice for the wedding on Saturday. Tomorrow night is the rehearsal. Crazy, crazy week, but in it all, God has blessed me!!!!
My heart goes out to those people in Haiti who have lost loved ones, homes, or are still trying to find loved ones. How devastating!!!!! I am so thankful, that in it all, God has a plan and will use this for his glory in the lives of his people. I can only hold onto the trust that he is in control and will continue to prove himself true to who he is in the coming days.
I don't think that means a happy ever after for any of us, but I do think it means that his kingdom will be furthered in our lives. OUR GOD REIGNS!!!!
Signing off for now......
Trusting
I am thankful to say that I am back in the routine of work and teaching privately. My lesson plans are ready to roll for this new cycle and my student teacher is coming next Thursday.
I put together a semi-prof. hockey game opportunity for our students and families to get to a game and then have my chorus sing the national anthem in combination with 2 other elementary schools. Today is the day those ticket requests are being picked up. I am thankful that is out of my hands for now.
Tonight I go practice for the wedding on Saturday. Tomorrow night is the rehearsal. Crazy, crazy week, but in it all, God has blessed me!!!!
My heart goes out to those people in Haiti who have lost loved ones, homes, or are still trying to find loved ones. How devastating!!!!! I am so thankful, that in it all, God has a plan and will use this for his glory in the lives of his people. I can only hold onto the trust that he is in control and will continue to prove himself true to who he is in the coming days.
I don't think that means a happy ever after for any of us, but I do think it means that his kingdom will be furthered in our lives. OUR GOD REIGNS!!!!
Signing off for now......
Trusting
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Grace
Dear God,
I thank you for you for the grace that you have given me this week to both enjoy and get much work done at my job. I thank you for the clarity of vision and the guidance in getting me to a place where I can have enough energy, but also eat sensibly.
I also praise and thank you for the productive shopping that my daughter and I did to get her ready for her spring formal. I thank you for the blessing of the 160 coat coming to 30 dollars. My daughter calls it her "miracle coat". Thank you for answering our prayer for both something affordable and that she really really liked!!!!!I praise you for all things!!!!!
Amen.
Signing off for now........
Trusting
I thank you for you for the grace that you have given me this week to both enjoy and get much work done at my job. I thank you for the clarity of vision and the guidance in getting me to a place where I can have enough energy, but also eat sensibly.
I also praise and thank you for the productive shopping that my daughter and I did to get her ready for her spring formal. I thank you for the blessing of the 160 coat coming to 30 dollars. My daughter calls it her "miracle coat". Thank you for answering our prayer for both something affordable and that she really really liked!!!!!I praise you for all things!!!!!
Amen.
Signing off for now........
Trusting
Monday, January 11, 2010
Monday
Good morning dear readers,
Well, here we are, Monday morning. The dog got me up last night and had me take her out at 2 am. I wound up sleeping with her on the couch for the rest of the night.
My husband is unsettled and that always affects me as well.
I am going from "dawn to dusk" today. I am thankful that it is a Monday and that I am rested from the weekend. God will give me the grace to pull through today.
His throne is higher than all other thrones
He rules all powers seen and unseen
From generation to generation always the same
From everlasting to everlasting he is God!!!!!
May God grant us all the grace to live and move by his spirit this day.
Signing off for now........
Trusting
Well, here we are, Monday morning. The dog got me up last night and had me take her out at 2 am. I wound up sleeping with her on the couch for the rest of the night.
My husband is unsettled and that always affects me as well.
I am going from "dawn to dusk" today. I am thankful that it is a Monday and that I am rested from the weekend. God will give me the grace to pull through today.
His throne is higher than all other thrones
He rules all powers seen and unseen
From generation to generation always the same
From everlasting to everlasting he is God!!!!!
May God grant us all the grace to live and move by his spirit this day.
Signing off for now........
Trusting
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Sunday celebration
Good morning, dear readers,
Today is the day when I go to worship my Lord. Today is the day when I go to give thanks to my God for his provision and keeping. Today is the day when I go to say "I Love You, Lord". Today is the day I gather with God's people in his sanctuary to proclaim him as King!!!!!!
My heart is filled with praise and thanksgiving for God today. Even in this mixed up world where wrong seems right, God is still in control and loves his creation. He is the God who will prove faithful and true to his people even when the world has left them behind. He is the God who will prove his love for his people again and again.
We can TRUST him that he will NEVER remove that love or hand of protection upon our lives. I'll say it again. WE CAN TRUST HIM THAT HE WILL NEVER REMOVE THAT LOVE OR HAND OF PROTECTION UPON OUR LIVES!!!!
The Lord will not allow the righteous soul to famish, but he casts away the desire of the wicked.
Proverbs 10:3
You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; For you created all things, and by your will they exist and were created.
Revelation 5 : 5
God is on the throne today and will be forever more, AMEN!!!!
Signing off for now........
Trusting
Today is the day when I go to worship my Lord. Today is the day when I go to give thanks to my God for his provision and keeping. Today is the day when I go to say "I Love You, Lord". Today is the day I gather with God's people in his sanctuary to proclaim him as King!!!!!!
My heart is filled with praise and thanksgiving for God today. Even in this mixed up world where wrong seems right, God is still in control and loves his creation. He is the God who will prove faithful and true to his people even when the world has left them behind. He is the God who will prove his love for his people again and again.
We can TRUST him that he will NEVER remove that love or hand of protection upon our lives. I'll say it again. WE CAN TRUST HIM THAT HE WILL NEVER REMOVE THAT LOVE OR HAND OF PROTECTION UPON OUR LIVES!!!!
The Lord will not allow the righteous soul to famish, but he casts away the desire of the wicked.
Proverbs 10:3
You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; For you created all things, and by your will they exist and were created.
Revelation 5 : 5
God is on the throne today and will be forever more, AMEN!!!!
Signing off for now........
Trusting
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Happiness
Good morning, or should I say "good afternoon" as it is 1:12 pm. I spent the whole morning catching up on school work. I did enjoy a cup of coffee and a donut hole as well as a half a bagel with cream cheese for breakfast, real treats.
I was reminded this week that if I don't have things organized in my mind, my room, and my desk, that things quickly fall apart at the seams when you have 22 little kindergarteners waiting impatiently for what you have planned next for them, when you can't find the paper you need right then and there to continue on with your lesson.
It happens to all of us, but dis-organization has been my weakness for many years. I can't say it's there all the time, but when I get moving fast going from class to class, it's very easy for instruments, papers, music, gradebooks, and plans to become misplaced.
I'm not sure what the solution is as I have been suffering from this malady for all my years of teaching. After 20 years, you think I would figure this out, but I haven't as yet. Sure, I can clean off my desk and I can straighten my room at the end of the day, but most days I am so exhausted from the hustle and bustle of teaching 7 - 8 classes and then teaching at least two private lessons after school hours that I don't want to have ANYTHING to do with cleaning and straightening.
Unfortunately, I am not a morning person and therefore, getting into school early and putting things in order, is not usually an option, either.
What does God have to say about this? Well, I do know that he is in the business of bringing spiritual discipline into our lives. I do believe that it would bless him to have this spill over into our earthly lives as well. It all seems so overwhelming to try to fix everything at once.
Perhaps, like God, I should take one small area at a time, and then gradually over time, I will overcome the disorganization and live and breathe in a world or order, which will not only be a blessing to me, but also to God.
Signing off for now.......
Trusting
I was reminded this week that if I don't have things organized in my mind, my room, and my desk, that things quickly fall apart at the seams when you have 22 little kindergarteners waiting impatiently for what you have planned next for them, when you can't find the paper you need right then and there to continue on with your lesson.
It happens to all of us, but dis-organization has been my weakness for many years. I can't say it's there all the time, but when I get moving fast going from class to class, it's very easy for instruments, papers, music, gradebooks, and plans to become misplaced.
I'm not sure what the solution is as I have been suffering from this malady for all my years of teaching. After 20 years, you think I would figure this out, but I haven't as yet. Sure, I can clean off my desk and I can straighten my room at the end of the day, but most days I am so exhausted from the hustle and bustle of teaching 7 - 8 classes and then teaching at least two private lessons after school hours that I don't want to have ANYTHING to do with cleaning and straightening.
Unfortunately, I am not a morning person and therefore, getting into school early and putting things in order, is not usually an option, either.
What does God have to say about this? Well, I do know that he is in the business of bringing spiritual discipline into our lives. I do believe that it would bless him to have this spill over into our earthly lives as well. It all seems so overwhelming to try to fix everything at once.
Perhaps, like God, I should take one small area at a time, and then gradually over time, I will overcome the disorganization and live and breathe in a world or order, which will not only be a blessing to me, but also to God.
Signing off for now.......
Trusting
Thursday, January 7, 2010
It's Thursday
Good morning, dear readers,
It's Thursday and where has this week gone? Crazy how time just marches right along. I can always count on that, can't I? Just like I can always count on God's mercy and forgiveness.
Resting today in the words from the visit from our Pastor. It is a time of testing. I can rest in that, because with that I sense that there is a safety net. I mean that even though the test could bring me to hard places, that my God will always be there to pick me up and to wash me white as snow.
Signing off for now.......
Trusting
It's Thursday and where has this week gone? Crazy how time just marches right along. I can always count on that, can't I? Just like I can always count on God's mercy and forgiveness.
Resting today in the words from the visit from our Pastor. It is a time of testing. I can rest in that, because with that I sense that there is a safety net. I mean that even though the test could bring me to hard places, that my God will always be there to pick me up and to wash me white as snow.
Signing off for now.......
Trusting
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Believing
Good morning, dear readers,
Last night our Pastor came to our home to talk and pray with us concerning our finances. It was in his wisdom that he confirmed that my husband should take a part time job and then continue to run the business from our home to keep it up and running as well. Praise God for his presence and meeting with us in a very special way last night. I do believe that if the counsel is that a part time job is in order, that also, a part time job will be provided!!!! Praise God!!!!!
Our Pastor kept taking us back to the story of Jacob and his 12 sons and the provision that God had for them in direct result of the horrible selling of Joseph into slavery. Even in the midst of all that confusion and horror for Joseph, God had a plan which very much contained blessing for Joseph in great abundance, but also for his family, which very soon would be in great famine as the people of Egypt were coming into as well.
So many times it is easy to just look on the surface and be disheartened by what we see with earthly eyes. According to this story, what was going on in the eyes of the spirit was preparation and preservation for the many as well as the one. Oh Praise God that he brings forth his perfect provision for all of us. I do want to be a part of the his greater provision!!!!!
Genesis 47 : 11
And Joseph situated his father and his brothers, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded.
The great sacrifice of Joseph had brought forth life to many in God's perfect provision for their lives. I say, "amen", Lord, let it be so.
Signing off for now........
Trusting
Last night our Pastor came to our home to talk and pray with us concerning our finances. It was in his wisdom that he confirmed that my husband should take a part time job and then continue to run the business from our home to keep it up and running as well. Praise God for his presence and meeting with us in a very special way last night. I do believe that if the counsel is that a part time job is in order, that also, a part time job will be provided!!!! Praise God!!!!!
Our Pastor kept taking us back to the story of Jacob and his 12 sons and the provision that God had for them in direct result of the horrible selling of Joseph into slavery. Even in the midst of all that confusion and horror for Joseph, God had a plan which very much contained blessing for Joseph in great abundance, but also for his family, which very soon would be in great famine as the people of Egypt were coming into as well.
So many times it is easy to just look on the surface and be disheartened by what we see with earthly eyes. According to this story, what was going on in the eyes of the spirit was preparation and preservation for the many as well as the one. Oh Praise God that he brings forth his perfect provision for all of us. I do want to be a part of the his greater provision!!!!!
Genesis 47 : 11
And Joseph situated his father and his brothers, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded.
The great sacrifice of Joseph had brought forth life to many in God's perfect provision for their lives. I say, "amen", Lord, let it be so.
Signing off for now........
Trusting
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Day 8
Dear readers,
Wow, I can't believe this is Day 8 already. Yesterday I was so blessed with the contents of my blog. I wrote about cleansing and giving the area of my corrupt communication coming from my mouth to the Lord and asking him to purify me.
I told you I would probably make a mistake and I did, but as I did I was immediately reminded of my morning commitment. The 2nd time I was faced with "do I allow unholy words to come forth", I stopped in midstream. Praise God that he hears my heart's desire to be more like him!!!! He will continue to hear my request to have a pure tongue and bring forth more and more cleansing in the days to come, I am sure!!
Yesterday as my first day back to work. I enjoyed being dressed up again. I did get a perm over break, which was a big change and little eyes opened wide as they came off the bus and saw their music teacher with curls all over her head. Kids are so precious and honest. I knew there would be ones that asked "what happened to your hair?". I smiled and answered their questions. I wasn't offended because I knew the root of their inquiry, not to hurt or inflict pain, but pure curiosity.
I see God's plan for the growth of a child as such a place of comfort and security for me. I did not have a "safe" growing place as a child and in direct result struggle with even allowing myself to be cared for by anyone, especially God. He has taught me to know him in a safe way. I am learning to go to him with an expectation of love and not of condemnation.
I know God loves me and he is teaching me with an everloving heart, that he died for me and for all of his creation to bring us back to himself. To have relationship with us and for us to glorify him, even in our imperfection as we turn our hearts to him even after we fall, he is faithful to embrace us with his arms of comfort and encouragement, once again sending us out into the "big world" to take new steps and even to help others to do the same.
My husband and I sat down with the finances last night. Things looked "short". I know that God will make a way for us. Praise him that my husband is working on 2 jobs and will hopefully get paid for them this week. Also, I got a call from a dear friend who invited us to dinner and also to look at a job that they have for my dear hubby to work on. Praise God, more work!!!!
Psalm 37:23 - 26
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delights in his way.
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with his hand.
I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread,
He is ever merciful, and lends; and his descendants are blessed.
I DO BELIEVE I AM BLESSED!!!!!!!
Signing off for now.......
Trusting
Wow, I can't believe this is Day 8 already. Yesterday I was so blessed with the contents of my blog. I wrote about cleansing and giving the area of my corrupt communication coming from my mouth to the Lord and asking him to purify me.
I told you I would probably make a mistake and I did, but as I did I was immediately reminded of my morning commitment. The 2nd time I was faced with "do I allow unholy words to come forth", I stopped in midstream. Praise God that he hears my heart's desire to be more like him!!!! He will continue to hear my request to have a pure tongue and bring forth more and more cleansing in the days to come, I am sure!!
Yesterday as my first day back to work. I enjoyed being dressed up again. I did get a perm over break, which was a big change and little eyes opened wide as they came off the bus and saw their music teacher with curls all over her head. Kids are so precious and honest. I knew there would be ones that asked "what happened to your hair?". I smiled and answered their questions. I wasn't offended because I knew the root of their inquiry, not to hurt or inflict pain, but pure curiosity.
I see God's plan for the growth of a child as such a place of comfort and security for me. I did not have a "safe" growing place as a child and in direct result struggle with even allowing myself to be cared for by anyone, especially God. He has taught me to know him in a safe way. I am learning to go to him with an expectation of love and not of condemnation.
I know God loves me and he is teaching me with an everloving heart, that he died for me and for all of his creation to bring us back to himself. To have relationship with us and for us to glorify him, even in our imperfection as we turn our hearts to him even after we fall, he is faithful to embrace us with his arms of comfort and encouragement, once again sending us out into the "big world" to take new steps and even to help others to do the same.
My husband and I sat down with the finances last night. Things looked "short". I know that God will make a way for us. Praise him that my husband is working on 2 jobs and will hopefully get paid for them this week. Also, I got a call from a dear friend who invited us to dinner and also to look at a job that they have for my dear hubby to work on. Praise God, more work!!!!
Psalm 37:23 - 26
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delights in his way.
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with his hand.
I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread,
He is ever merciful, and lends; and his descendants are blessed.
I DO BELIEVE I AM BLESSED!!!!!!!
Signing off for now.......
Trusting
Monday, January 4, 2010
A Cleansing
Good morning, dear readers,
I woke today with the word "cleansing" on my heart. I am taking a stand on my body and putting it through the New Year ritual of a cleanse by only putting certain vitamins and minerals in it and then by not consuming sugar and fatty foods.
When we aren't consuming the same things we have been, that is considered a cleanse. Cleanse means to remove those things that may be inhibiting our bodies or our spirits to function the way they were designed by God.
Cleansing is a deep work. It's not just a wash, which only touches the surface, but it is a work that penetrates deep within our very souls and bodies. As we allow a cleansing to take place we are stripped of our desires and God's desires take their place. Halleluiah!!!
The physical cleanse that I am going through is not, at this stage, a pleasant one. There is an immediate reaction to the lack of sugar and caffeine that I have been consuming in gross amounts over the holidays. Now all the sudden I want to stop? Well, my body makes sure that I hear about that. I have a headache and didn't sleep well at all because of it. I keep drinking water to help the cleanse along.
I wonder if the spirit is much the same? Yesterday, our pastor talked about going through a spiritual inventory and checking different areas in our lives to see if God would want us to freshly commit an area, such as allowing no corrupt communication to come out of our mouths. I was immediately convicted and had to admit that I have not been pure in my speech. We are reminded that the last part of us to be bridled will be the tongue. God help us.
I know that I will be tested in my recommitment of purity of tongue. I know that God will use different opportunities to give me the chance to choose to say things of good report and not cursing or negative talk against my brothers and sisters. Will I fail? Most likely, but God's Holy Spirit will continue to give me the grace to persevere and overcome this unbridled tongue. I will not fail continually and by his grace will come to a place where the words I speak will be a blessing and not a cursing to God and his people.
I am reminded of a chorus that we sing in church.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart,
be acceptable in thy sight, Oh Lord,
Oh Lord, my strength and my salvation
Let the words of my mouth and the mediatation of my heart,
be acceptable in thy sight, Oh Lord,
Signing off for now........
Trusting
I woke today with the word "cleansing" on my heart. I am taking a stand on my body and putting it through the New Year ritual of a cleanse by only putting certain vitamins and minerals in it and then by not consuming sugar and fatty foods.
When we aren't consuming the same things we have been, that is considered a cleanse. Cleanse means to remove those things that may be inhibiting our bodies or our spirits to function the way they were designed by God.
Cleansing is a deep work. It's not just a wash, which only touches the surface, but it is a work that penetrates deep within our very souls and bodies. As we allow a cleansing to take place we are stripped of our desires and God's desires take their place. Halleluiah!!!
The physical cleanse that I am going through is not, at this stage, a pleasant one. There is an immediate reaction to the lack of sugar and caffeine that I have been consuming in gross amounts over the holidays. Now all the sudden I want to stop? Well, my body makes sure that I hear about that. I have a headache and didn't sleep well at all because of it. I keep drinking water to help the cleanse along.
I wonder if the spirit is much the same? Yesterday, our pastor talked about going through a spiritual inventory and checking different areas in our lives to see if God would want us to freshly commit an area, such as allowing no corrupt communication to come out of our mouths. I was immediately convicted and had to admit that I have not been pure in my speech. We are reminded that the last part of us to be bridled will be the tongue. God help us.
I know that I will be tested in my recommitment of purity of tongue. I know that God will use different opportunities to give me the chance to choose to say things of good report and not cursing or negative talk against my brothers and sisters. Will I fail? Most likely, but God's Holy Spirit will continue to give me the grace to persevere and overcome this unbridled tongue. I will not fail continually and by his grace will come to a place where the words I speak will be a blessing and not a cursing to God and his people.
I am reminded of a chorus that we sing in church.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart,
be acceptable in thy sight, Oh Lord,
Oh Lord, my strength and my salvation
Let the words of my mouth and the mediatation of my heart,
be acceptable in thy sight, Oh Lord,
Signing off for now........
Trusting
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Judgment on our Land
Dear readers,
Today I am impressed with the upcoming judgment of our land. God's words says
Now I will rise, says the Lord;
Now I will be exalted,
Now I will lift Myself up.
Isaiah 33:10
How can God allow such pain and suffering in our land today? It is a choice that he has given us. You see, in order for us to have free will, he needed to make it so that we would be given over the reigns to our lives in entirety. This autonomy was bestowed upon every man, woman, and child that is born of this earth. In return, our greatest gift to our Lord, will be when we can lay down the autonomy that was gifted to us and place the rule back into the hands of our loving creator.
Only by coming to true surrender to him, by giving him the reigns of our hearts, can we enable him to move on our behalf. Even, then, we sometimes find that he doesn't move on our behalf, but brothers and sisters, I assure you that he does. Even in the midst of trials and calamities, he is there. He is still ever present and ever protecting. However, he sees the bigger picture. Only he knows our hearts and what we are capable of. Only he can allow the pain and suffering that his chosen ones endure to bring us through to his perfect plan and purpose for his glory.
I know it is so hard to understand why we or our loved ones are suffering, but be assured that God is moving and working for us, his beloved church, his beloved people of all creation who he died for to reconcile us all to himself.
Whether you acknowledge this unending, unconditional love, is your choice.
The sinners in Zion are afraid
Fearfulness has seized the hyprocitres;
Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire?
Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings:
He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly,
He who despises the gain of oppressions,
Who gestures with his hands, refusing bribes,
Who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed,
And shuts his eyes from seeing evil:
He will dwell on high;
His place of defense will be the fortress of rocks;
Bread will be given him,
His water will be sure.
Isaiah 33:14 - 16
Signing off for now........
Trusting
Today I am impressed with the upcoming judgment of our land. God's words says
Now I will rise, says the Lord;
Now I will be exalted,
Now I will lift Myself up.
Isaiah 33:10
How can God allow such pain and suffering in our land today? It is a choice that he has given us. You see, in order for us to have free will, he needed to make it so that we would be given over the reigns to our lives in entirety. This autonomy was bestowed upon every man, woman, and child that is born of this earth. In return, our greatest gift to our Lord, will be when we can lay down the autonomy that was gifted to us and place the rule back into the hands of our loving creator.
Only by coming to true surrender to him, by giving him the reigns of our hearts, can we enable him to move on our behalf. Even, then, we sometimes find that he doesn't move on our behalf, but brothers and sisters, I assure you that he does. Even in the midst of trials and calamities, he is there. He is still ever present and ever protecting. However, he sees the bigger picture. Only he knows our hearts and what we are capable of. Only he can allow the pain and suffering that his chosen ones endure to bring us through to his perfect plan and purpose for his glory.
I know it is so hard to understand why we or our loved ones are suffering, but be assured that God is moving and working for us, his beloved church, his beloved people of all creation who he died for to reconcile us all to himself.
Whether you acknowledge this unending, unconditional love, is your choice.
The sinners in Zion are afraid
Fearfulness has seized the hyprocitres;
Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire?
Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings:
He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly,
He who despises the gain of oppressions,
Who gestures with his hands, refusing bribes,
Who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed,
And shuts his eyes from seeing evil:
He will dwell on high;
His place of defense will be the fortress of rocks;
Bread will be given him,
His water will be sure.
Isaiah 33:14 - 16
Signing off for now........
Trusting
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Anxious
Dear Readers,
Today I woke with a heaviness in my heart. I felt the sinking feeling of depression creeping upon me. I just wanted to stay on the couch with the dog who woke me up in the middle of the night to go out and then after letting her out I found that she still pooped on the carpet. (sigh).
I decided to sleep on the couch with her since it was very cold outside and she wouldn't settle. I heard her pacing around trying to find some place warm. I sleep so well with her cuddled up next to me. The next thing I remember is waking up with the clock saying 10 am, which is the latest I have slept in since the beginning of my vacation. This was my last hurrah for a day to sleep in and not have to go anywhere at a specific time. Sad.
Yesterday I went to my parents for the traditional New Year's pork and sauerkraut dinner. So good. I ate entirely too much and was uncomfortable for most of the afternoon.
My dear cousin did call and gave an update that she and her husband are going to try to reconcile. Oh, praise God for answered prayers!!!! I recently got into contact with her due to a family trial. I am glad to be able to pray for her. I know God is speaking to her heart and also her husband's as well. He will restore all the years the locusts have eaten!!!!
I find myself looking to God for assurance this morning. I need his peace. I need to know that he will continue to be with me even as the whirlwind of work begins again. I know that it will be vital for me to keep plugged into the Lord. It tends to be that I push him aside as my days become busier. This however is the time that I need to press into him deeper and deeper to keep hearing his voice and block out the lies that continually vie for my attention.
I added a picture of the peaceful water today because that is what my need is.
Isaiah 32:16-20
Then justice will dwell in the wilderness and righteousness remain in the fruitful field.
The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.
My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places,
Though hail comes down on the forest, and the city is brought low in humiliation.
Blessed are you who sow beside all waters, who send out freely the feet of the ox and the donkey.
I am thankful for these words of assurance today. I am indeed in need of his peace and will strive to enter into his rest in the coming days.
Signing off for now.........
Trusting
Friday, January 1, 2010
Relaxed
Good morning dear readers,
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!
We did stay up last night and did the count down. I didn't fall asleep this year. Kind of hard with a teenage daughter who gets loud when things like that happen. Also, we live right next to a fire station and they put the siren off. On top of that the city put off fireworks which we could hear echoing in the distance.
Today we are going to my parents to have pork and sauerkraut. It is a blessing that all of my immediate family is talking. We have gone years without talking to one another due to trauma that was inflicted upon us as children.
I am blessed that we are still a "unit". I don't have the relationship that I would like with my father, but after reading "The Shack", which I would highly recommend to anyone who has hurt in their past, I have found a new hope for restoration. It may not happen in this earth, but I do believe in a heavenly restoration and forgiveness.
I am blessed that my husband and I were able to go shopping yesterday and buy food. Since funds are limited, we agreed to have a fondue night, which we've not done before. My sister and brother in law came. It wasn't the Melting Pot, but we made our own ambience and laughed the night away. In some ways it was better.
I am continuing to trust in God's provision as the time of my vacation is coming to a close. I will endeavor to fight through any negative that comes my way and see Christ victorious in each and every situation, even though, through my earthly eyes, it may not seem that way.
Signing off for now.......
Trusting
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!
We did stay up last night and did the count down. I didn't fall asleep this year. Kind of hard with a teenage daughter who gets loud when things like that happen. Also, we live right next to a fire station and they put the siren off. On top of that the city put off fireworks which we could hear echoing in the distance.
Today we are going to my parents to have pork and sauerkraut. It is a blessing that all of my immediate family is talking. We have gone years without talking to one another due to trauma that was inflicted upon us as children.
I am blessed that we are still a "unit". I don't have the relationship that I would like with my father, but after reading "The Shack", which I would highly recommend to anyone who has hurt in their past, I have found a new hope for restoration. It may not happen in this earth, but I do believe in a heavenly restoration and forgiveness.
I am blessed that my husband and I were able to go shopping yesterday and buy food. Since funds are limited, we agreed to have a fondue night, which we've not done before. My sister and brother in law came. It wasn't the Melting Pot, but we made our own ambience and laughed the night away. In some ways it was better.
I am continuing to trust in God's provision as the time of my vacation is coming to a close. I will endeavor to fight through any negative that comes my way and see Christ victorious in each and every situation, even though, through my earthly eyes, it may not seem that way.
Signing off for now.......
Trusting
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